Was not sure where to post this as it is a real mix, so added it here as though I have been in France for several years, I still consider myself a tourist:)

We went out for a stroll to the Champs Elysees earlier this afternoon and ended up staying into the evening. Had a look around the (overpriced) Christmas Market and a took some snaps of the lights etc.

Like you, my first exposure to Paris was through work. It grew on me so much I ended up requesting a transfer:)

It is a great place to live if you like photography as there is just so much to photograph and the attitude towards photography is great.

Regarding the lens, I have not considered the Noct Nikkor, though it would be a pleasure to own such a best even if the focal length is not what I am looking for. I want to move to 35mm, which is why I keep dreaming of the Leica M9 + 35mm lens combo. Not sure how easy it is to focus with the Noct either, though could buy some 3rd party screen for my Canon. I suspect it would be difficult.

My work trips are more often than not quick overnight stops so no time to see anything other than the hotel and airport. Other people I know are kinda talking about a tourist daytrip to Paris next year, so if that happens I'll probably stick around some extra days. Not sure I would want to move there. I last studied French some 20 years ago, and I wasn't any good then!

On the noct, the only reason I mentioned it is it is both fast and corrected for coma(?), which is particularly noticeable in #3 but also other shots to a lesser extent. In my experience so far with the MF Zeiss 50 makro, it isn't as bad as feared even with the 7D viewfinder. Once calibrated the focus assist also helps, but I could work on my speed...

Plenty to do in Paris for a few days if you decide to stay. We can meet up to take some photos if you drop me a line around the time.

Not noticed the coma effect, though now that you have pointed it out is is very obvious. Still, not a problem for me as I still love the 1.2 (though it has some flaws for sure). I do plan to go wider (focal length) though and I think manual focus is the way to go as I just cannot quickly frame certain shots with the AF on the 5D2 due to limited number of focus points. Sure I can focus on subject then re-frame before taking the shot, but with 1.2 that definitely means a slightly OOF shot.